COMMON MARINE FISHES 



41 



Figure l-l 



WHITEBAIT 

 Members of Family Osmeridae 



Relationship: Several members of the true smelt family, Osmeridae, are found 

 in California. All of them are called "whitebait" when they are small (as are the 

 young of some other fishes) but two species comprise the bulk of the catch. These are 

 Spirinchus starksi and AUosmerus attenuatus (illustrated above). The smelts are 

 unusually difficult to distinguish as separate species. Another true smelt, the surf 

 smelt, is shown on page 42. 



Distinguishing Characters: The small adipose fin; the single dorsal fin com- 

 posed of soft rays ; the absence of a scaly appendage above the base of the ventral fin. 

 AUosmerus has a few canine-like teeth on the vomer and 15 to 17 anal rays. Spirinchus 

 has a number of smaller, evenly uniserial teeth which are not canine-like on the 

 vomer, and pectoral fins which are shorter than the head. Both have rather large 

 mouths, the maxillary reaching at least to the back edge of the pupil. Length to about 

 9 inches. Color: Pale greenish, almost colorless, a silvery stripe along the side. 



Distribution: Varies with the species. Spirinchus is found from Monterey Bay 

 north into Washington and AUosmerus from San Francisco Bay to the Straits of Juan 

 de Fuca. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year with maximum landings in the spring 

 and summer. 



Importance: The total "whitebait" catch is of minor significance. Spirinchus is 

 the most important constituent though AUosmerus also enters the catch in considerable 

 quantity. Small amounts of young fish of other species comprise the balance. Landed 

 chiefly in the Eureka region and sold entirely in the fresh fish markets. Used to 

 some extent as bait by commercial and sport fishermen. 



Fishing Gear: Taken in the surf both commercially and by sportsmen with dip 

 nets or small hand seines. 



Unauthorized Names: Smelt, surf smelt, frittura, small fry, perlin. 



